Classes

The Central Valley Beekeepers Association is offering an introductory class on bees and beekeeping. (Please see the Class Schedule for dates and times) (Download the 2013 class brochure - 656KB PDF File)

Our All-Day Backyard Beekeeping class will present in-depth information for beginning beekeepers.  This class includes a live demonstration showing how to open and examine a hive.  There will be a follow-up Field Day at a later date.

Guest Lectures.  We are accepting requests from schools and organizations that would like to have a beekeeper come talk about the importance of bees and pollination.  Please contact us regarding scheduling and cost.

Course Topics

History & Importance

The Colony

Basic bee biology, types of bee, hive activities

Products of the Hive

Honey, wax, pollen and propolis

Apiary Locations and Pollination

Beekeeping Equipment

Obtaining Bees

Swarms, packages, nucs, full colonies

Seasonal Management of Honey Bee Colonies

Pests, Predators, and Diseases

Nosema, Varroa and Tracheal mites, American foulbrood, Chalkbrood, wax moth

Pesticides

In-hive Demonstration

Harvesting Honey

Tips for Aspiring Beekeepers

Regulations, lists of resource materials